In my quest to pick a vehicle to buy this week for my personal use. I went to Benin Republic auto market which I presume is the largest auto market in West Africa. Therein, you will find thousands and thousands of various types of new or tokunbo cars, 4x4, CRV, buses, trucks, etc on display for sale.

I have decided to relate my experience with you all. Though this is not my first time of visiting the auto market which covers a large expanse of land. The auto market is located at a place called Ritiz and Mivvo. It costs CFA10OO (N350) for a return transport fare from and to Nigeria border by taxi.

At the auto market after moving around for almost two hours and yet to cover a third of the market. I settled for a Honda Pilot 2003 and Toyota Landcruiser 2003. Herewith are their price details:
1. Honda Pilot 2003 with full option, mint condition, gold colour - CFA 4.2million
Transit to Nigeria border - CFA 600,000
Nigeria Custom duty - N250,000
With CFA1,000 exchanging for N350, therefore purchase+transit = N1.68million, add N250,000 duty
Total cost = N1,93m

2. Honda Pilot 2003 with full option and broken bumper but very clean both inside and outside - CFA 3.8million
Transit to Nigeria border - CFA 600,000
Nigeria Custom duty - N250,000
With CFA1,000 exchanging for N350, therefore purchase+transit = N1.54million, add N250,000 duty
Total cost = N1,79m

3. Toyota Landcruiser 2003 with full option, mint condition - CFA 5.5million
Transit to Nigeria border - CFA 650,000
Nigeria Custom duty - N290,000
With CFA1,000 exchanging for N350, therefore purchase+transit = N2.152mil, add N290,000 duty
Total cost = N2.442mil
Upon duty payment to the Nigerian Custom Service at the Seme border and completion of the paperwork. You are free to drive away the vehicle without any fear of molestation, harrassment by anybody.

I want you NairaLanders to please give answer to these my questions.
Do Honda Pilot 2003 has:
a) The ability to handle everyday movements within Lagos with its attendant hold-ups, go-slows and also improptu trips within Nigeria?
b) Fuel economy?
c) Spare parts easily available in the market? Are they affordable?
d) Can it be serviced or/and repaired by any Honda mechanic?
e) Does it overheat?
I would like to know of any of its flaws and the advantage it has that I did'nt raised.

NairaLanders, your responces will be highly appreciated.

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Bowie11:
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interesting to know this

Errrrrr... there's no car that overheats by default. Even air cooled automobiles don't overheat unless there's an inherent deficiency or fault.

Back to the topic.. If you need an everyday commuting type of vehicle then I think you're better off with a sedan.
the landcruiser and pilot are rugged quite alright and will take you most places in Nigeria with little hassles.
A sedan should be more cost efficient in terms of fuel saving and maintenance.
Mind you, the pilot is a 3.5litre machine while the landcruiser has 4.7litres under the hood.